Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

POLFOR004 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop forensic crime scene expertise

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency POLFOR004 - Develop forensic crime scene expertise
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills required to develop expertise in forensic crime scene investigation. This will include conducting applied research, presenting expert evidence, conducting peer reviews, and maintaining discipline expertise.This unit applies to specialist police staff as part of their involvement in the forensic crime scene investigation discipline.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to quality management, case management systems, forensic investigations and work health and safety (WHS).Those undertaking this unit would be required to work autonomously and as part of a team. They would demonstrate the ability to manage a research project, conduct peer reviews, and provide expert evidence. They would demonstrate knowledge of sciences as they apply to crime scene investigation while performing sophisticated tasks across a broad range of unpredictable contexts.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Forensics
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Conduct applied research
  • Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.
  • Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.
  • Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.
  • Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.
  • Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.
  • Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.
  • Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.
  • Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.
  • Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.
  • Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
  • Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.
       
Element: Form an expert opinion
  • Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.
  • Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.
  • Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.
  • Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.
  • Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.
  • Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.
  • Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  • Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
       
Element: Present expert opinion
  • Validate expert opinion using peer review.
  • Report expert opinion to inform investigation.
  • Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.
  • Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.
  • Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
       
Element: Undertake peer case work review
  • Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  • Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.
  • Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  • Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  • Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
       
Element: Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically
  • Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.
  • Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.
  • Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.
       
Element: Conduct applied research
  • Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.
  • Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.
  • Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.
  • Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.
  • Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.
  • Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.
  • Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.
  • Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.
  • Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.
  • Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
  • Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.
       
Element: Form an expert opinion
  • Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.
  • Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.
  • Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.
  • Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.
  • Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.
  • Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.
  • Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.
  • Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.
       
Element: Present expert opinion
  • Validate expert opinion using peer review.
  • Report expert opinion to inform investigation.
  • Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.
  • Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.
  • Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.
       
Element: Undertake peer case work review
  • Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.
  • Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.
  • Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.
  • Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.
  • Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.
       
Element: Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically
  • Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.
  • Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.
  • Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Conduct applied research

1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

2. Form an expert opinion

2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

3. Present expert opinion

3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review.

3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

4. Undertake peer case work review

4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

developing research proposals, including hypotheses, jurisdictional context and research methodology

collecting and collating information from diverse sources

evaluating applied research proposals

conducting applied research and presenting findings

communicating information that includes the description of a complex opinion/point of view/argument in a clear, concise manner to a wide range of audiences

interpreting and analysing information critically to develop opinions

justify conclusions/opinions and their rationale

liaising with peers to review opinions of self and others

presenting opinion evidence and reflecting on outcomes

evaluating forensic information and its application to own professional context

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

jurisdictional quality management systems

case law, current legislation pertaining to investigations, the legal provision of expert evidence (including admissibility of expert evidence)

federal court guidelines

forensic disciplines

jurisdictional policies and procedures related to the authority to provide expert evidence

own limitations and the boundaries of expert knowledge

range and strength of opinions available for the interpretation of results, awareness of impact on jury

knowledge of sources of research and information related to forensic science


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Conduct applied research

1.1 Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal.

1.2 Conduct a literature review using various search techniques.

1.3 Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction.

1.4 Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations.

1.5 Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques.

1.6 Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project.

1.7 Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access.

1.8 Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met.

1.9 Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations.

1.10 Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

1.11 Report research findings to inform broader forensic community.

2. Form an expert opinion

2.1 Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion.

2.2 Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion.

2.3 Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology.

2.4 Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion.

2.5 Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion.

2.6 Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion.

2.7 Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny.

2.8 Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning.

3. Present expert opinion

3.1 Validate expert opinion using peer review.

3.2 Report expert opinion to inform investigation.

3.3 Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence.

3.4 Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process.

3.5 Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements.

4. Undertake peer case work review

4.1 Review case work within a quality management system to validate results.

4.2 Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness.

4.3 Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion.

4.4 Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes.

4.5 Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file.

5. Evaluate scientific literature and research findings critically

5.1 Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations.

5.2 Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations.

5.3 Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal. 
Conduct a literature review using various search techniques. 
Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction. 
Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations. 
Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques. 
Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project. 
Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access. 
Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met. 
Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations. 
Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. 
Report research findings to inform broader forensic community. 
Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion. 
Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion. 
Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology. 
Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion. 
Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion. 
Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion. 
Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny. 
Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning. 
Validate expert opinion using peer review. 
Report expert opinion to inform investigation. 
Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence. 
Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process. 
Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements. 
Review case work within a quality management system to validate results. 
Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness. 
Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion. 
Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes. 
Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file. 
Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations. 
Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations. 
Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature. 
Develop hypothesis to guide research proposal. 
Conduct a literature review using various search techniques. 
Justify the research proposal in relation to the forensic discipline supported by the jurisdiction. 
Analyse research methodology in terms of suitability and potential limitations. 
Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of data/information collection techniques. 
Identify factors that may impact on reliability and validity of the results to protect the integrity of the research project. 
Identify resources for the research taking into consideration cost, availability and access. 
Identify alternative resources or methodologies to ensure that the scope of the research project is met. 
Evaluate hypothesis against the analysis findings and legal and ethical considerations. 
Review data and research findings for accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. 
Report research findings to inform broader forensic community. 
Evaluate information relevant to the investigation critically to form an expert opinion. 
Develop alternative hypotheses to test the expert opinion. 
Test hypotheses against information using scientific methodology. 
Identify the most likely hypothesis to form a basis for the opinion. 
Acknowledge limitations of the information/evidence when providing an expert opinion. 
Identify assumptions and factual premises on which evidence is based to support the expert opinion. 
Assess the expert opinion to determine whether it withstands scrutiny. 
Justify opinions by explaining the process of reasoning. 
Validate expert opinion using peer review. 
Report expert opinion to inform investigation. 
Prepare demonstrative tools to assist provision of expert evidence. 
Deliver expert opinion to aid judicial enquiry process. 
Review expert opinion and delivery to identify future improvements. 
Review case work within a quality management system to validate results. 
Review information in a case file to determine quality, accuracy and completeness. 
Form an independent opinion from reviewed information in isolation from the case file opinion. 
Compare the independent opinion with the case findings for verification purposes. 
Communicate feedback to the original author of the case file. 
Identify sources of contemporary information that may be relevant to forensic investigations. 
Evaluate contemporary information to determine potential applicability and suitability within forensic investigations. 
Develop recommendations on better practice based on contemporary research and literature. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

POLFOR004 - Develop forensic crime scene expertise
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Assessment Record Sheet

POLFOR004 - Develop forensic crime scene expertise

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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